The German Lufthansa does not expect flight operations to normalize until next year. “Unfortunately, we will hardly be able to realistically achieve a short-term improvement now in the summer,” Lufthansa board member Detlef Kayser told the “Welt”. Currently only helping to reduce the number of flights. This is not only a German problem, but applies to the whole world. “We expect the situation to return to normal overall in 2023.”
It was clear very early on that staff shortages would be a problem in the aviation industry, Kayser told the newspaper. Frankfurt Airport, for example, has invested heavily in recruitment. But it has been recognized that staff cannot be built up as quickly as hoped, which is also due, for example, to the more stringent industry-specific security checks.
In the middle of the summer vacation period, Lufthansa is canceling more than 2,000 more flights at its hubs in Frankfurt (Main) and Munich due to a lack of staff. A good two weeks ago, she announced that she would be canceling 900 connections on Fridays and weekends in July.
Now it will “take another 2,200 out of a total of around 80,000 flights at the hubs in Frankfurt and Munich out of the system – also on the other weekdays that have been less affected so far,” said Lufthansa on Thursday evening.
“The cancellations affect domestic German and intra-European flights in particular, but not the classic holiday destinations that are well occupied during the holiday season.” Flight times could also change. The “Bild” newspaper had previously reported on it.
“Flight safety strikes, weather events and, in particular, an increased corona sickness rate have now put additional strain on the system,” Lufthansa explained the decision. “In the past few days, our crews have reported sick at short notice.” Airlines across Europe have had to cancel further flights for these reasons.
Lufthansa passengers would be informed immediately in the event of cancellations and, if possible, rebooked on other suitable flights. Alternatively, domestic German feeder flights could be replaced by train journeys to the hubs, where the machines then started abroad.
